Effect of Psychedelic VR-augmented Therapy on Patients With Clinical Depression
This randomised controlled trial (n=45) evaluates a 55-minute psychedelic-like VR intervention (Psyrreal) versus a non-psychedelic VR analogue and a conditional waitlist in adults with clinical depression.
Details
This interventional, randomised, double-blind parallel study uses immersive virtual reality to simulate psychedelic phenomenology (Psyrreal) and compare its effect on depressive symptoms with a non-psychedelic VR analogue (Routine Realms) and a possible waitlist condition.
Each experimental and comparator session is a single 55-minute immersive VR experience embedded in a therapeutic protocol with a preparatory session and a subsequent integration session. The trial will explore clinical outcomes and potential mediators to clarify the role of psychedelic-like subjective experience in treatment response.